Holy Cats Has It Been Five Months?!

It's wild to me that I once thought things would get easier when our babies were older. There would be more time, less laundry, earlier bedtimes, fewer costume changes. Those were the days I sat down to share precious moments and photos at least once a week, and there were date nights that didn't involve calendar syncs.

We are definitely in a different (and more enlightened!) season. My last update to our adventures apparently involved starting school in the new spot. Blinkandyoumissedit, the kids started holiday break today, after the end of several sports seasons and a very cute drama club production.

It's been a whirlwind of a first few months in our new home. I spent lots of time in the field and a little time abroad (and am grateful, per usual, for grandparents, who kept the trains on time.)

We swam a lot,

threw yard parties, explored our new town,

caught up with old friends, 

and Labor Day'ed at the Land Between the Lakes.

We farewelled summer at the Gaylord,

and attended a lot of travel baseball tournaments.

We discovered Finley's new summer camp home

and celebrated her big 10th birthday with her first concert (Meghan Trainor, with Ashley and Laura) and a trip to Chicago.

We explored Kentucky's best (caves, not bourbon, when you're under 21);

and made the promised trek back to Arden

 for the annual Halloween Beach Bash.

We made a run for the Smallest State for more fall with our people and Aunt Bex's beautiful promotion,

and before we knew it, it was time for basketball and football games,

a visit from Aunt Laurel,

and Ice! at the Gaylord.

We celebrated Seth's 12th Alive Day, quickly followed by 

Thanksgiving trips to St. Louis and Arkansas;

and somehow, impossibly, it's already almost Christmas. We have (barely) survived Clarksville Mall shopping, and Missy arrives for 60 hours of Tennessee/ Kentucky fun tomorrow.

In the meantime, Seth is recovering from major surgery like a champ (while running Santa's Workshop), and the state of Kentucky is out of powdered sugar.

Phew... and to all a good night! Happy Holidays and a restful new year to you and yours!